ROUTES AFRICA: Traditional Show Marks Opening of 6th Routes Africa

The 6th Routes Africa forum was formally declared open by Aya Thiam Diallo, Président Directeur Général, Aeroports du Mali at a special Welcome Reception beside the pool at the Laico L’Amitié Hotel in Bamako, Mali last night (July 3). Delegates were entertained by traditional dancers and took the chance to network alongside colleagues in the business.

Speaking at the event, Mme Aya Thiam Diallo highlighted her honour that Aeroports du Mali was hosting this year’s event. “We are happy to welcome all delegates to Mali, a place of history, myths and legends. We believe this forum provides the opportunity to develop win-win relationships between professionals in the airline industry,” she said.

The event started earlier the same day with well-attended Route Development and Traffic Forecasting workshops by consultancy Airport Strategy and Marketing (ASM). The presentations certainly captured the interests of delegates – airlines and airports alike – with numerous questions about route development opportunities and data analysis from the floor.

During informal discussions with delegates during the Welcome Reception many highlighted their high anticipation for growth within the African market, as well as across other continents. Many of the issues challenging the business will be discussed at the Strategy Summit this morning, which includes high profile speakers from airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and industry bodies in the region. The key topics for discussion will include the main growth opportunities across Africa and the barriers to achieving success.